A new national identification card scheme aimed at combating under-age drinking is expected to be introduced before Christmas by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue.
However, it is expected to operate only on a voluntary basis, with the responsibility for enforcement resting with publicans and off-licence staff.
Under the scheme, young people buying alcohol will be asked to produce the new ID card, which will carry a photograph and details of the holder.
More than 100 local ID schemes are in operation throughout the State. Off-licence owners have complained, however, that the local ID cards are not all the same and can be forged fairly easily. It is believed the new card will contain an anti-tampering device, such as a hologram.
The National Off-Licence Association, which represents the owners of more than 300 off-licences, held a meeting recently with the Minister to discuss the issue. The group has been campaigning since January 1992 for the introduction of a national ID card scheme, which is allowed for under Section 40 of the Licensing Liquor Act, 1998.
The association yesterday welcomed the Minister's decision to introduce the national scheme. A spokesman said he hoped it would "remove any doubt" over the sale of alcohol. He said he believed it would apply in the 18-25 age bracket, adding that "anyone between those ages will have to produce an ID on request".
